Iginla defends ‘poor pastor’ comment, says prosperity is choice

The Lead Pastor of Champions Faith Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the viral statement, “I can never follow a poor pastor,” saying life is defined by personal choice and perspective.

Iginla made the remarks in a video message titled “The Poor Versus the Rich,” which has since gained traction on social media.

Addressing his congregation, the cleric said the statement credited to another pastor had been misunderstood, stressing that it merely reflected a personal opinion shaped by life experiences.

He said that while the comment might not have been acceptable years ago, changing realities and exposure could influence how people view leadership and prosperity.

“What is wrong with the statement? It is his personal opinion,” Iginla said. “If you want to follow a poor pastor, follow one. If you want to follow a rich pastor, follow one.”

The cleric referenced Proverbs 19:4 to argue that wealth naturally attracts people, while poverty often repels them, noting that the scripture itself acknowledges this reality.

He challenged the church’s approach to wealth, questioning why poverty was often spiritualised while prosperity was viewed with suspicion.

“If I say today the topic of our message is poverty, will you sit down?” he asked. “Do you teach people how to be poor?”

Iginla argued that prosperity should not be confused with spirituality, adding that material possessions do not determine a person’s spiritual depth.

According to him, prosperity follows certain principles that anyone who practises them can benefit from, regardless of religious standing.

“You can be poor and make heaven like Lazarus. You can be rich and make heaven like Abraham, David, or Solomon,” he said.

He warned against what he described as “terrorising” others for embracing prosperity, insisting that both poverty and wealth are personal choices.

The pastor also criticised what he called the over-spiritualisation of financial intelligence in the church, urging pastors to teach practical wealth creation alongside spiritual growth.

The comments came amid widespread debate triggered by a viral video of a pastor declaring he would never follow a poor pastor, a statement that has drawn mixed reactions across social media.